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Microsoft’s Second U.S. Xbox Price Hike of 2025 Takes Effect Oct. 3

The company cites macroeconomic pressures, a rationale critics including ex-Blizzard chief Mike Ybarra dispute as profit-driven.

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PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Which console wins?
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Overview

  • Microsoft set new U.S. MSRPs for its consoles: Series S 512GB at $399.99, Series S 1TB at $449.99, Series X Digital at $599.99, Series X at $649.99, and the 2TB Galaxy Black Series X at $799.99.
  • The change applies only to consoles, with Microsoft saying controller and headset prices remain unchanged.
  • This is the second U.S. increase in five months, taking totals since January up by roughly $100 for Series S, $150 for Series X, and $200 for the 2TB model.
  • Microsoft attributes the move to changes in the macroeconomic environment, while industry coverage widely points to tariff pressures affecting console makers.
  • Former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra publicly criticized the repeat hike, arguing tariffs don’t justify it and calling the decision a profit issue, fueling broader consumer debate over affordability.